The thoughts of a Norse Heathen.

The Origins of the Helm of Awe.

The Helm of Awe is actually quite new. Relatively speaking.

This is going to be short because the full history behind this symbol is long and complex. So this is a summary of sorts.

The Ægishjálmur also known as the Helm of Awe is certainly one of the most recognizable symbols from early modern Icelandic magic, collectively refered to as "galdrastafir", or "magical staves". Though often spoken of as a charm to daze or instil fear in enemies, the stave's exact purpose varies from writing to writing.

The Ægishjálmur is not a Viking Age symbol under any reasonable definition, but a post-Medieval borrowing of an older concept, which I'll be referring to by its Old Norse name. The tradition comes in two main forms. One is when it's mentioned in Old Norse literature and the second is when it's depicted in Icelandic occult literature from early modern times.

It isn't an ancient Viking symbol by any means but the act of post Christian Icelanders using the symbol in Medieval Times is what caused it to seem much more ancient. When the lore was being written down the ones doing the writing saw what people used to base the Helm off of and assumed it was the same thing and that has stuck ever since.